Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Visit to New Orleans

Release Date:

October 16, 2009

For Immediate ReleaseOffice of the Press SecretaryContact: 202-282-8010

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday joined President Obama, Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan and White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley in New Orleans to see Hurricanes Katrina and Rita recovery efforts firsthand—her third visit to the Gulf Coast since January.

At the University of New Orleans, Secretary Napolitano joined President Obama, Secretary Donovan, Secretary Duncan and Chair Sutley at a town hall meeting to hear directly from Louisiana residents about ongoing rebuilding efforts.

During the town hall, President Obama highlighted the Long Term Recovery Working Group, co-chaired by Secretary Napolitano and Secretary Donovan, which will provide operational guidance for recovery organizations and help ensure a more resilient nation.

Additionally, Secretary Napolitano attended the National Fusion Center Directors Meeting to discuss the Department’s progress toward becoming the single focal point of information on homeland security threats for state and local law enforcement officers.

She also visited the Vessel Traffic Center, a U.S. Coast Guard-operated interagency facility responsible for managing 20 miles of complex waterways on the Lower Mississippi River, and received a briefing on current Coast Guard maritime operations.

Secretary Napolitano’s trip highlights DHS’ continued commitment to providing federal support for rebuilding and security efforts throughout the Gulf Coast through coordination with federal, state, local and tribal partners.